The Ring Doorbell 2 was the best-selling video doorbell of its era — but Ring discontinued it in 2022. If you’re researching it, here’s the full story: what replaced it, how Ring’s 2026 doorbell lineup compares to Nest, Abode, and Arlo, and whether a doorbell camera is enough to protect your home (spoiler: it’s not).
Ring Doorbell 2: What Happened?
Ring discontinued the Doorbell 2 as part of their product line consolidation. The good news: every replacement is cheaper and better than the original Doorbell 2 — a rare consumer win.
| Spec | Ring Doorbell 2 (Discontinued) | Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (Replacement) | Ring Wired Doorbell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 1536p Head-to-Toe | 1080p |
| Field of View | 160° horizontal | 150° × 150° (head-to-toe) | 155° horizontal |
| Power | Battery or wired | Battery or wired | Wired only |
| Night Vision | Infrared only | Color Night Vision | Infrared |
| Motion Detection | Basic zones | 3D Motion Detection + Bird’s Eye View | Advanced zones |
| Package Detection | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz only | Dual-band (2.4 + 5 GHz) | 2.4 GHz |
| Two-Way Audio | ✅ | ✅ (improved) | ✅ |
| Price | $199 (was) | $149.99 | $59.99 |
| Verdict | Discontinued | Better + cheaper | Budget winner |
Ring’s Complete 2026 Video Doorbell Lineup
Ring offers 4 video doorbells in 2026, covering every budget from $60 to $230:
| Model | Resolution | Power | Key Feature | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Wired | 1080p | Wired only | Smallest, cheapest | Budget buyers with existing wiring | $59.99 |
| Ring Battery | 1080p | Battery/wired | Simple setup | Renters, first-time buyers | $99.99 |
| Ring Battery Plus | 1536p | Battery/wired | Head-to-Toe, Bird’s Eye View | Most people (best value) | $149.99 |
| Ring Battery Pro | 1536p | Battery/wired | Radar 3D motion, dual-band Wi-Fi | Large porches, detailed tracking | $229.99 |
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — Best Overall ($149.99)
The direct successor to the Doorbell 2 and what most people should buy. Head-to-Toe 1536p video captures packages on the ground and faces at the door in one frame. Color Night Vision means you can actually identify colors at night (clothing, car color). 3D Motion Detection with Bird’s Eye View shows you exactly where someone walked on an overhead map of your property.
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro — Premium ($229.99)
Ring’s flagship with radar-powered 3D Motion Detection that tracks movement paths with precision. Dual-band Wi-Fi for faster, more reliable connections. Best battery life in the lineup. Worth the premium if you have a large porch, long walkway, or want the most detailed motion tracking.
Ring Battery Doorbell — Budget ($99.99)
1080p, battery-powered, simple setup. If you just want to see who’s at the door and talk to visitors remotely, this does the job. No Head-to-Toe video or Bird’s Eye View — but at $100, it’s a solid entry point.
Ring Wired Doorbell — Best Value ($59.99)
Requires existing doorbell wiring (16-24V AC), but at $60 it’s the cheapest name-brand video doorbell worth buying. 1080p, advanced motion zones, compact design. No battery means no recharging — it’s always on.
Ring Protect Plans (2026 Pricing)
Every Ring doorbell works without a subscription for live view, two-way talk, and real-time motion notifications. But video recording and advanced features require Ring Protect:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Video History | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Plan | Free | Free | None (live only) | Live view, two-way talk, notifications | Basic doorbell use |
| Basic | $3.99/device | $39.99/device | 180 days | Video recording, snapshots, share/download | Single doorbell users |
| Plus | $10/mo | $100/yr | 180 days | All devices covered + 24/7 backup internet + extended warranty | Multiple Ring devices |
| Pro | $20/mo | $200/yr | 180 days | Everything + Ring Alarm monitoring + cellular backup | Full Ring security system |
Ring Subscription Cost Over 3 Years
| Setup | Equipment | 3-Year Subscription | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Wired + No Plan | $60 | $0 | $60 |
| Ring Wired + Basic | $60 | $120 | $180 |
| Ring Battery Plus + Basic | $150 | $120 | $270 |
| Ring Battery Plus + Plus | $150 | $300 | $450 |
| Ring Battery Pro + Plus | $230 | $300 | $530 |
| Ring Battery Plus + Ring Alarm + Pro | $350 | $600 | $950 |
Ring Doorbell vs Competitors: 2026 Head-to-Head
| Feature | Ring Battery Plus | Nest Doorbell (Battery) | Abode Video Doorbell | Arlo Essential (2nd Gen) | Eufy Doorbell S220 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1536p | 960p (3:4 ratio) | 2K | 2K | 2K |
| Head-to-Toe | ✅ | ✅ (3:4 ratio) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Power | Battery/wired | Battery/wired | Wired | Battery/wired | Wired |
| Color Night Vision | ✅ | ✅ (HDR) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Package Detection | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Local Storage | ❌ | 3 hrs on-device | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (on-device) |
| Smart Home | Alexa (deep) | Google Home | HomeKit + Alexa + Google | Alexa + Google + HomeKit | Alexa + Google |
| Apple HomeKit | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ (via HomeKit Secure Video) | ❌ |
| Security System | Ring Alarm | ❌ (cameras only) | Abode system | ❌ (cameras only) | ❌ (cameras only) |
| Monthly (1 device) | $3.99 | $0-$8 | $0-$20 | $2.99 | $0 (local) |
| Price | $149.99 | $179.99 | $89.99 | $129.99 | $79.99 |
Quick Verdict by Ecosystem
| Your Ecosystem | Best Doorbell | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon/Alexa | Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | Deepest Alexa integration — Echo Show live view, Alexa routines, Ring Alarm |
| Google Home | Nest Doorbell (Battery) | Native Google Home, familiar face detection, on-device AI |
| Apple HomeKit | Abode Video Doorbell or Arlo Essential | Ring and Nest don’t support HomeKit — only these do |
| No ecosystem / flexibility | Abode | Works with all three (HomeKit + Alexa + Google) — never locked in |
| No subscription ever | Eufy Doorbell S220 | Local storage, no cloud required, $0/month forever |
Doorbell Camera vs. Complete Security System
A video doorbell is a great first step — but it’s not a security system. Here’s the honest breakdown of what doorbells can and can’t do:
| Capability | Video Doorbell | Complete Security System | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| See who’s at front door | ✅ | ✅ (with doorbell cam) | 34% of break-ins use the front door |
| Deter package thieves | ✅ | ✅ | Visible cameras reduce theft by 50%+ |
| Two-way talk | ✅ | ✅ | Talk to delivery drivers, visitors |
| Record video evidence | ✅ | ✅ | Helps police identify suspects |
| Detect back door/window entry | ❌ | ✅ | 66% of break-ins use side/back entry |
| Trigger loud siren (85-105 dB) | ❌ | ✅ | Sirens scare off 60%+ of burglars |
| Professional monitoring | ❌ (most) | ✅ | Police dispatched even when you’re asleep |
| Cellular backup | ❌ (Wi-Fi only) | ✅ | Works even if intruder cuts internet |
| Smoke/CO/water monitoring | ❌ | ✅ | Fire department dispatched, flood alerts |
| Geofencing auto-arm | ❌ | ✅ | System arms automatically when you leave |
| Insurance discount | Rarely | 5-20% ($175-700/yr) | Monitored systems earn significant savings |
Our recommendation: Start with a doorbell, then add a security system. Abode’s Smart Security Kit ($199) pairs with any doorbell — including Ring’s — and adds the door/window sensors, siren, monitoring, and geofencing that doorbells can’t provide. Visit goabode.com →
Ring Doorbell Installation: What to Know
| Installation Type | Requirements | Difficulty | Time | Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery (peel & stick) | Charged battery, Wi-Fi, screws or adhesive | ⭐ Easy | 10-15 min | All Battery models |
| Hardwired to existing doorbell | 16-24V AC transformer, existing wiring | ⭐⭐ Moderate | 15-20 min | All models |
| Ring Wired (no battery) | 16-24V AC transformer required — no battery backup | ⭐⭐ Moderate | 15-20 min | Ring Wired only |
Pro tip for renters: Battery doorbells can be installed with adhesive strips (no drilling). Use a Ring Peephole Cam or the Battery Doorbell with the No-Drill mount for apartments.
What to Do With Your Ring Doorbell 2
If you still have a working Doorbell 2:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Doorbell 2 still works fine | Keep using it — Ring Protect still covers it, app still works |
| Battery dying fast | Upgrade to Battery Doorbell Plus ($149.99) — same mount with adapter plate |
| Want better video quality | Upgrade to Battery Doorbell Plus (1536p vs 1080p, color night vision) |
| Want package detection | Only available on Battery Plus ($149.99) and Battery Pro ($229.99) |
| Switching to HomeKit | Switch to Abode Video Doorbell ($89.99) — HomeKit compatible |
| Want no subscription | Switch to Eufy Doorbell S220 ($79.99) — local storage, $0/month |
Ring Doorbell Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths | Details |
|---|---|
| Amazon/Alexa integration | Best-in-class — “Alexa, show me the front door” on Echo Show, Fire TV announcements, Alexa routines |
| Price range | $60-$230 covers every budget — no competitor matches this range |
| Ring Alarm ecosystem | Doorbell + alarm + cameras all in one app with Ring Protect Pro ($20/mo) |
| Neighbors app | Community crime alerts and package theft reports for your area |
| Easy installation | Battery models need zero wiring — 10 minutes from box to working |
| 180-day video history | Longest standard retention of any major brand (with subscription) |
| 3D Motion Detection | Bird’s Eye View shows exactly where visitors walked on a map (Plus/Pro models) |
| Weaknesses | Details |
|---|---|
| No Apple HomeKit | Ring doesn’t support HomeKit and probably never will — Apple users should look at Abode or Arlo |
| Cloud-only storage | No local/SD card option — if you cancel Ring Protect, you lose all video history |
| Amazon privacy concerns | Ring has faced criticism for police partnerships and data handling — videos stored on Amazon’s cloud |
| Subscription required for basics | Can’t even save a 30-second clip without Ring Protect ($3.99+/mo) |
| Wi-Fi dependent | No cellular backup on doorbells — if Wi-Fi goes down, doorbell goes offline |
| Limited Google Home | Ring works with Alexa, not Google Home — if you’re a Google household, choose Nest |
| Battery recharging | Battery models need recharging every 1-3 months depending on traffic — annoying in cold weather |
Who Should Buy a Ring Doorbell in 2026?
| Buy Ring If… | Skip Ring If… |
|---|---|
| You use Amazon Alexa / Echo devices | You use Apple HomeKit — Ring doesn’t support it |
| You want the cheapest name-brand doorbell ($60) | You refuse to pay monthly subscriptions |
| You’re building a Ring Alarm ecosystem | You want local/offline video storage |
| Package theft is a problem in your area | You’re privacy-conscious about Amazon/cloud |
| You want the widest doorbell selection (4 models) | You use Google Home primarily |
| You’re a renter who needs no-drill install | You want a doorbell + full security system from one brand that works with everything |
If you want a doorbell that works with everything: Abode is the only security system brand supporting HomeKit, Alexa, AND Google Home. Their Video Doorbell ($89.99) integrates with the Abode security system for complete home protection. Visit goabode.com →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ring Doorbell 2 still supported?
Yes — for now. Ring hasn’t end-of-lifed the Doorbell 2 yet, so it still works with Ring Protect and the Ring app. However, it receives no new features and replacement batteries are increasingly hard to find. When it dies, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus ($149.99) is the direct upgrade.
Which Ring doorbell should I buy in 2026?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus ($149.99) is the best choice for most people — 1536p Head-to-Toe video, color night vision, package detection, and Bird’s Eye View. If budget is tight, the Ring Wired ($59.99) is incredible value with existing doorbell wiring.
Do Ring doorbells work without a subscription?
Yes — live view, two-way talk, and real-time motion notifications work without paying anything. But you can’t save, download, or share video clips without Ring Protect (starting at $3.99/mo). If you want zero subscription, the Eufy Doorbell S220 ($79.99) stores video locally for free.
Do Ring doorbells work with Apple HomeKit?
No. Ring has never supported Apple HomeKit and likely never will (Amazon and Apple compete directly). For HomeKit users, the Abode Video Doorbell or Arlo Essential with HomeKit Secure Video are your best options.
Is a Ring doorbell enough for home security?
No. A doorbell camera covers your front door — but 66% of break-ins use other entry points (back door, windows, garage). For real protection, pair your Ring doorbell with a security system. Ring Alarm is the natural choice if you’re in the Ring ecosystem, or Abode if you want HomeKit compatibility and more smart home flexibility.
Ring doorbell vs Nest doorbell — which is better?
Ring is better for Alexa users, package detection, and budget options ($60-$230). Nest is better for Google Home users and on-device AI processing. Neither supports HomeKit. For a detailed breakdown, see our Ring vs Nest comparison.
Related Resources
- Ring Alarm Review 2026 — full security system
- Best Video Doorbell Cameras 2026 — top 5 compared
- Ring vs Nest 2026 — full ecosystem comparison
- Ring vs Blink 2026 — within the Amazon ecosystem
- Abode Review 2026 — best for HomeKit users
- Security Camera Placement Guide
- Security Camera Privacy Guide
- Best Home Security for Renters
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
JOHN W CAMPBELL says
When it doesn’t work they blame you, the customer, and say it is clearly your voltage that is low. Baloney. The voltage is fine (I checked), it is a twitchy product that is unreliable. It also is far more difficult to install than they suggest. It takes drilling holes into concrete and something they don’t tell you when they sell it, a monthly fee for video access. All in all, potentially a good product – but it is no where near ready.